Latest News and Breaking Stories

live Iran says it has no trust in U.S. as nuclear tensions and talks continue- Middle East conflict

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

U.S. describes Israel-Lebanon talks as 'positive and productive'

11:56

Middle East conflict

U.S. describes Israel-Lebanon talks as 'positive and productive'

The United States cast Israel-Lebanon talks held in Washington on Thursday as "productive and positive" and a State Department official said more discussions aimed at ending their conflict will continue on Friday.

Iran warns U.S. blockade could trigger financial crisis as Hegseth mocked

21:35

Middle East

Iran warns U.S. blockade could trigger financial crisis as Hegseth mocked

Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the U.S. military blockade of Iran’s southern ports could trigger a new global financial crisis as the Tehran-Washington standoff around the strategic Strait of Hormuz persists.

Anti-Arab chants erupt as Israeli nationalists march through Jerusalem's Old City

12:35

Politics

Anti-Arab chants erupt as Israeli nationalists march through Jerusalem's Old City

Thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter on Thursday under heavy security, with some calling for the death of Arabs and for Palestinian villages to be burned during an annual march marking Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967.

Russia and Ukraine exchange dead and POWs amid massive Moscow aerial assault

21:36

Russia-Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine exchange dead and POWs amid massive Moscow aerial assault

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Aliyev joins OTS leaders at informal summit in Kazakhstan

20:09

OTS Summit

Aliyev joins OTS leaders at informal summit in Kazakhstan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is participating in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkistan, Kazakhstan, on 15 May. The summit focuses on regional cooperation, digital development and transport connectivity.

Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

16:36

Expert view

Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

Baku is hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together political leaders, urban planners, architects and development experts as cities worldwide face mounting pressure from climate change, rapid urbanisation and housing shortages.

Erdoğan calls for Turkic solidarity at informal OTS summit in Kazakhstan

20:09

View from Türkiye

Erdoğan calls for Turkic solidarity at informal OTS summit in Kazakhstan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for deeper solidarity among Turkic states amid rising geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change.

Georgia pitches itself as Europe’s next energy corridor amid political tensions

21:50

View from Georgia

Georgia pitches itself as Europe’s next energy corridor amid political tensions

Georgia is positioning itself as a future energy bridge between the Caspian and Europe, backed by major infrastructure plans and growing EU support. But behind the ambitious pitch lies a far more complicated political reality.

45min ago

Middle East conflict

live Iran says it has no trust in U.S. as nuclear tensions and talks continue- Middle East conflict

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Was...

3h ago

View from Georgia

Georgia pitches itself as Europe’s next energy corridor amid political tensions

Georgia is positioning itself as a future energy bridge between the Caspian and Europe, backed by major infrastruc...

Uzbekistan uncovers alleged $90 million South Korea labour migration fraud

3h ago

View from Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan uncovers alleged $90 million South Korea labour migration fraud

Uzbekistan’s Department for Combating Economic Crimes says it has uncovered a ...

3h ago

Russia-Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine exchange dead and POWs amid massive Moscow aerial assault

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as...

3h ago

Middle East

Iran warns U.S. blockade could trigger financial crisis as Hegseth mocked

Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the U.S. military blockade of Iran’s southern ports could trigger a n...

Indian drivers face higher prices at petrol pumps after fuel retailers hike cost amid Hormuz closure

13:10

Middle East conflict

Indian drivers face higher prices at petrol pumps after fuel retailers hike cost amid Hormuz closure

Indian drivers face higher fuel costs after state-run fuel retailers raised petrol and diesel prices for the first time in four years by three rupees ($0.03) per litre, equivalent to more than 3%.

World

World News

Finland says Helsinki drone threat has ended, reopens airport

12:42

European security

Finland says Helsinki drone threat has ended, reopens airport

Finland said that suspected drone activity in the skies above the country's capital region on Friday no longer posed a threat and that the situation was returning to normal as Helsinki's airport reopened.

China stocks choppy, yuan weakens as investors await clarity on Trump-Xi talks

08:51

Trade

China stocks choppy, yuan weakens as investors await clarity on Trump-Xi talks

China stocks wavered in morning trade on Friday, with investors cautious heading into the last day of a high-stakes summit between U.S. and China's President, which has delivered a few deals so far.

From the tarmac to the temple - Trump's Beijing day in full

18:49

View from China

From the tarmac to the temple - Trump's Beijing day in full

Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening to a carefully choreographed reception that underscored the significance China is placing on the visit.

11:47

Musk

Musk accused of 'selective amnesia' and Altman accused of lying as OpenAI trial nears end

A high-powered lawyer representing Elon Musk attacked the personal and professional credibility of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Thursday, as a landmark federal trial in California nears its conclusion.

Business

Business Economy Markets

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

08:22

Business

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its workforce on Wednesday have broken down, officials said, raising fresh concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s export-heavy economy.

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

10:43

Markets

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

08:42

China Export

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

10:30

Markets

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.

Global stocks surge and oil prices slide on hopes of Iran deal

01:36

Markets

Global stocks surge and oil prices slide on hopes of Iran deal

Stocks around the world climbed to fresh record highs on Wednesday (6 May), while oil prices fell sharply, after reports suggested the United States and Iran were nearing an agreement to end conflict.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

13:20

Eurovision

Azerbaijan's Eurovision team confident singer Jiva will qualify for final

Azerbaijan’s Eurovision team are confident singer Jiva will secure a place in the contest’s final after performing in the second semi-final in Vienna on Thursday evening (14 May).

07:57

Lawsuit

Dua Lipa files $15m lawsuit against Samsung over alleged copyright infringement

British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over allegations that her image was used without permission to promote television sets.

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

08:28

Visual arts

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

19:25

Kanye West Europe tour

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

Ye will perform in Tbilisi on 12 June as part of a Georgian government-funded programme, despite being barred from entering the U.K. and facing mounting concert cancellations across Europe.

Most viewed

03:09

Middle East Conflict

Tehran warns over ‘collusion’ as Iran pushes BRICS stance on war - Middle East conflict

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran loomed over U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, as signs emerged that the conflict is causing a shift in alliances across the Middle East.

00:22

Middle East conflict

live Iran says it has no trust in U.S. as nuclear tensions and talks continue- Middle East conflict

Huge send-off for Iran's national football team ahead of their 2026 World Cup departure

18:00

World Cup 2026

Huge send-off for Iran's national football team ahead of their 2026 World Cup departure

Thousands of fans turned out in Iran's capital Tehran for a massive farewell ceremony on Wednesday night for their national football team, wishing them success before their departure for the World Cup 2026 matches co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.

Which Russian energy sites have been hit by Ukraine?

09:27

Explainer

Which Russian energy sites have been hit by Ukraine?

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy facilities in recent months, amid stalled progress in peace negotiations. The strikes have targeted refineries, processing plants, pipelines and export infrastructure, causing repeated disruptions across Russia’s energy sector.

08:22

Business

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its workforce on Wednesday have broken down, officials said, raising fresh concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s export-heavy economy.

Health

Health news Healthcare

09:29

Hantavirus

Hantavirus risk to public remains very low, U.S. health official says

The risk from hantavirus to the general public remains very low, and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more than 100 staff members actively working on the outbreak, a governmental health official said on Wednesday.

13:09

Hantavirus

WHO: 'This is not COVID' as countries track passengers of Hantavirus-hit cruise ship

Countries worldwide sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since.

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

21:02

Haiti Hunger Crisis

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

20:46

meningitis Outbreak

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

10:40

Middle East Conflict

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

14:43

Travel

World's largest travel firm TUI says demand for holidays holding up despite Iran war

TUI has reported sustained demand for holidays despite the Iran war, as the world’s biggest travel company posted lower-than-expected quarterly losses and said bookings for the second half of the year remained strong.

11:59

Travel

Mediterranean destinations and rail travel benefit as Iran war disrupts summer holiday plans

Travellers worried about costs and flights by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are changing their summer holiday plans, with lastminute bookings, safer destinations such as Spain, and rail travel all growing in popularity.

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

13:23

Fuel crisis

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

ITA Airways is preparing to raise ticket prices by between 5% and 10% this year as soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the U.S. continue to pressure airlines worldwide.

12:14

Tourism

Dubai's tourism, revenues and restaurants shrink as Iran war impacts travel

Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

More than 100 killed as storms hit India’s Uttar Pradesh state

12:55

Weather impact

More than 100 killed as storms hit India’s Uttar Pradesh state

More than 100 people were killed in a violent storm that battered India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with rain and hail, the state Disaster Management and Relief office said on Thursday.

10:15

Climate Change

Climate change and El Niño fuel unprecedented global wildfire surge, researchers warn

Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.

Tropical forest loss declines in 2025 from record high, report finds

01:28

Climate change

Tropical forest loss declines in 2025 from record high, report finds

Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.

Kazakhstan ratifies green energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

11:41

View from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan ratifies green energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan has ratified a regional green energy agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, signalling Central Asia’s ambition to become a key supplier of renewable energy to international markets.

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

23:33

Green Transport

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.

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